In the late 90s and early noughties A festival of Women flourished in Byron Shire. The North Coast Women’s Festival was held annually on international womens day for six years encouraging women to participate in community through cultural and artistic events in a supportive environment.
‘With the coming together of women, challenges were understood and bonds strengthened to nourish and inspire healing of ourselves and others,’ said one of the original organisers Ayla Garlick.
‘It was loved and appreciated by the whole community – women, men and children, for the six years that it flourished. The festivals had a direct effect on people’s lives, enhancing self-empowerment and bringing into awareness the social issues affecting women of the 90’s about to enter the millennium.’
Features of the festival included Women’s Performances, The Writers Café, Feminenergy Art Exhibition, Wearable Art, Dance night, Women’s Film Festival, Women’s Health panel, Forums, Workshops, Yarning circles and keynote speakers with traditional owners, Community Services program information and networking, Craft Market and Foodstalls.
Invitation to reinvigorate
‘Like Persephone, the festival has been hibernating and resting underground, gathering energy to be reborn,’ said Ayla.
‘We are inviting women of all ages and walks of life to support the feminine though her diverse needs, empower her through our dreaming and celebrate her through our diversity. We are looking for expressions of interest from women with fresh ideas and enthusiasm who are willing to carry the vision forward.’
Some financial support and mentoring will be supplied to women with the skills and time to volunteer their time to form a committee to once again produce the Women’s Festival.
They are also looking for ‘Women focused groups who would welcome the opportunity to network and showcase their passion, ideas and creations to inspire women to come together for the aim of healing ourselves and our planet,’ said Ayla.
If you are interested getting involved send a one page submission to [email protected] outlining:
a) your skills or group’s vision and goals
b) how you envision participating or contributing to the event
c) how your vision will benefit others
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